Online Master's Program for Teachers
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Beginning in the fall of 2001, the Michigan State University College of Education plans to offer an on-line program that will give eligible educators the opportunity to earn a master of arts degree in education.
The program will offer unique courses in areas such as subject matter teaching, reform issues, technology and learning, special needs students, learner diversity and school leadership. This will give educators the opportunity to learn in a dynamic, interactive environment through the Internet.
"With education and teacher quality at the top of the national agenda, it is more important than ever that we provide our teachers the very best opportunities," said Carole Ames, dean of the College of Education. "It is part of our mission to both prepare tomorrow's teachers and to provide access for experienced educators to better equip them for the challenges they face in today's classrooms."
In anticipation of the fall 2001 launch of the program, the college already has made six courses available for teachers that will apply toward a master's degree.
"The College of Education created these courses as a new opportunity to expand their outreach efforts and capitalize on the college's wealth of knowledge and faculty expertise, while providing educators the opportunity to improve their own skills and knowledge," said MSU President Peter McPherson. "In this endeavor, MSU is leading the way by providing a model for other universities throughout the state and the nation."
The interactive course experiences enable educators to interact not only with the instructor but also with each other in virtual learning communities. The one- to three-credit courses vary in length and content and are taught by faculty members from the Department of Teacher Education.
"These courses provide access to quality offerings for teachers - in Michigan, across the country and overseas - who are unable to travel to the East Lansing campus during the academic year," said Susan L. Melnick, director of the college's Office of Academic Outreach Programs and an associate professor of teacher education. "The courses focus on some of the most important issues facing teachers today, and they are available literally within reach of a teacher's fingertips."
The six courses currently available include:
-- Teaching Science for Understanding: In this course, participants will examine the current reform, study approaches to teaching science for understanding and develop techniques and skills that are essential in helping students develop understanding in science. Taught by James Gallagher, professor of teacher education.
-- Teaching Literature Through Discussion in the Middle Grades: This course is intended for practicing English/language arts teachers who include or wish to include class discussions on literature in their teaching. Taught by Stephen Koziol, chairperson and professor of teacher education.
-- An Introduction to the Practice of Helping Novices Learn to Teach: This course is an introduction to the practice of helping new teachers learn to teach. It's directed toward experienced teachers and university personnel who play a mentoring role with students in a preservice teacher education program or with beginning teachers in an induction program. Taught by David Carroll, specialist, teacher education.
-- Educating Immigrant Children: In this course, participants will examine selected students' educational experiences and relevant background information for three different immigrant groups - children and adolescents from Korea, Cape Verde and the former Soviet Union. The on-line activities are designed to serve as models for some of the ways teachers can learn about immigrant students who are enrolling in U.S. schools in increasingly greater numbers. The overall goal is to better understand the genesis and consequences of social differentiation for all students in the U.S. and other countries. Taught by Susan Melnick, associate professor of teacher education.
-- Balanced Assessment in Mathematics: In this course, students will consider the role that balanced assessment can and should play in supporting a standards-based mathematics program. Taught by Sandra Wilcox, associate professor of teacher education.
-- Informal Literacy Assessment: This course will provide an overview of basic principles and techniques for informal literacy assessment. Taught by Mark Conley, associate professor of teacher education.
The courses are offered through MSU Virtual University. Students who are degree candidates at MSU may register for these courses through regular computer or telephone enrollment. Three courses will begin in January 2001 and additional courses will become available in summer 2001 and fall 2001.
Students who are not currently regular degree candidates at MSU, but wish to enroll in Virtual University courses, should contact (877) GO-TO-MSU (877-468-6678), or [email protected], or visit http://vu.msu.edu.
Contact: Susan L. Melnick, College of Education(517) 355-1825 or [email protected]
or Tom Oswald, University Relations(517) 355-2281 or [email protected]
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